Review: Joseph in Leeds

Musical: Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
Venue: Grand Theatre, Leeds
Date: Wed 23rd March 2011
Cast: Keith Jack (Joseph), Jennifer Potts (Narrator), Henry Metcalfe (Jacob/Potiphar) and Adam Jarrell (Pharaoh)
Rating: ***

Joseph is arguably one of the most popular musicals in the Western culture and tonight it has proved that it still captures the hearts of the British people, young and old, no matter how long it has been. Joseph is the first musical written by Andrew Lloyd Webber (of Phantom of the Opera) and marks the first collaboration between Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, who, together, went on to write Jesus Christ Superstar and Evita. The story is based on the tale of Joseph, the dream interpreter, in the Bible and his rise to be Pharaoh's Number Two.

I have seen a few productions of Joseph, my first was in 2003 with the late Stephen Gateley (of Boyzone) at the New London Theatre and I also saw a production by Thai performers. Tonight it is Keith Jack, runner-up from Any Dream Will Do reality show, who (finally) takes on the role of Joseph, having taken over from his fellow finalist, Craig Chalmers. It is obvious right from the beginning that Keith's voice was not in top form tonight but he still managed through the show very well and still delivered a fairly good "Close Every Door". Too bad he didn't try to hit the high notes at the end. I can't say that he has become my favourite Joseph but he has grown and improved a lot from his "Any Dream Will Do" days and sure to have a bright career in store for him. However, there were some part of his acting that could still be improved to make the performance more believable.

Keith Jack (as Joseph) during Go, Go, Go Joseph!

Jennifer Potts is the narrator and she sounded very much like Janet Metz from the Canadian recording. She was lovely and sung her part well but I wish to see more interaction between the narrator and the other characters in the story. Henry Metcalfe plays the dual role of Jacob and Potiphar as well as takes on the responsibility of a choreographer/associate director. He was good in his parts though frankly there wasn't a lot.

Henry Metcalfe (as Jacob) during Jacob and Sons

Adam Jerrell was a weak Pharaoh for me. His impersonation could have been better and he had some really big shoes to fill comparing to the previous Pharaohs. The brothers were very good as an ensemble but when it comes to solo numbers, the soloists didn't seem to be strong enough vocally to hold the songs on their own. I also need to mention the children's choir who were very good and charming.

The overall production was very similar to the one I've seen in London if a bit scaled down for the touring company. Running at 90 minutes, Joseph is a fairly short show but I see the producer's attempt to lengthen the show from long overture to having the children reprises the songs during entr'acte and the extra-long megamix. I missed how Joseph would fly on to the stage for his opening numbers. The sheep during Jacob and Sons were just simply adorable and the lighting was quite good. I noticed some changes in the lyrics for this production which didn't do much for me. I also noticed that they had included in the programme the song "King of My Heart" which was added to the 2007 London version but they ended up not performing it. (which I'm glad because it would have slowed the show down)

The Brothers in One More Angel in Heaven

Now here comes the bit that I like less... I feel that the show's pace was a bit strange, at times they seemed to rush through the songs and at times, things were moving really slowly. Most of my friends seemed not to be able to catch the storyline and understand what was going on. And many of the numbers that was supposed to be funny wasn't as funny as they should have been, namely how they made fun of the French accent in "Those Canaan Days" and the (not-so) energetic "Benjamin Calypso". On the opposite, they were boring, while some of the jokes that they did weren't really funny. I also disliked the ridiculous "Phantom" mask worn during Grovel scene.

Overall, it was still a really good night out for me and my friends. The megamix at the end was very entertaining if a bit long (the actual show ended at 9.30 but the megamix went on until about 9.45) and you definitely leave the theatre humming "Any Dream Will Do" for its many many reprises :) I would still recommend this to anyone who loves musical and appreciate a heart-warming feel-good musical.

Joseph will run at Leeds Grand Theatre until 27th March 2011. Catch it while you can.

The Finale "Give Me My Coloured Coat"

UK Tour Cast Recording featuring Craig Chalmers on sale at the kiosk
which I got as a souvenir along with the programme and the brochure

Me and Keith Jack at stage door